Pubdate: Thu, 23 Apr 2009
Source: Santa Barbara Independent, The (CA)
Copyright: 2009 The Santa Barbara Independent, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.independent.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4348
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)

PRO-POT DOCS ORGANIZE

Emerging Group Organized In Part By Goleta's Dr. David Bearman

In a move designed to lend another layer of legitimacy to the 
emerging national medical marijuana movement, the American Academy of 
Cannabinoid Medicine (AACM) announced its formal formation this week. 
Organized in part by Goleta-based physician David Bearman, the 
academy will, among other things, work to inform the professional 
medical community about the clinical utility of cannabis-based 
medicine, offer board certification -- via written and oral tests -- 
for physicians, and, as a result, work to curb the quasi-unethical 
practice of doctors giving recommendations to hopeful pot patients 
without adequate exams or appropriate medical conditions. "We want to 
ensure that there is only the highest quality of medicine being done 
by doctors," explained Bearman, who will serve as the vice president 
of credentialing and quality.

Including California, there are currently 14 states that legally 
recognize medicinal use of cannabis. The AACM, however, is the first 
attempt to bring a set of standards and practices and assorted other 
professional gravitas to the doctors across the country who treat 
conditions like AIDS, chronic pain, and symptoms from cancer 
treatment with a plant that is illegal in the eyes of the federal 
government. The first round of testing for board certification will 
take place in Seattle in August, according to Bearman.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom